Lilith

Ancient Origins and Evolution

  1. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Lilith appears as a female demon associated with killing infants, having poison-filled breasts, and linked to nocturnal predatory birds.

  2. The story involves Gilgamesh slaying a dragon and Anzu bird to enable Ishtar to construct a bed from the Holy Hulu tree, symbolizing the connection between underworld and Earth.

Biblical and Jewish Interpretations

  1. Lilith is mentioned in Isaiah 34:14 as a night creature or screech owl, and in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Talmud as a succubus who engages with sleeping men.

  2. The Alphabet of Ben Sira portrays Lilith as Adam's first wife, expelled from Eden for refusing sexual submission, subsequently gaining demonic powers.

Symbolic Evolution

  1. Lilith's story has been reinterpreted over time, evolving from explaining infant mortality and childbirth deaths to symbolizing female independence against male dominance.

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